Get Down!

Six, The Musical

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to resurrect some of the biggest names in history—or “herstory,” as these women like to refer to themselves, and bring them back to the 21st century for an evening or revelation? Imagine that you could invite the six wives of England’s King Henry VIII for a melodic and powerhouse party at Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre. A performance where each queen would be given a platform to tell her own story in song and dance? Opening with the familiar mantra, “Divorced, Beheaded, Died; Divorced, Beheaded, Survived,” the highly celebrated, crowd-pleasing musical, that made its North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, has returned to the Windy City. 

Five years ago at the revered venue on Navy Pier the show was labeled “a likely Broadway tryout.” How right they were because three months later the mega popular pageant of Tudor royalty transferred to the Big Apple, as predicted. Since that time, SIX, THE MUSICAL, has played extended runs in London, New York, Canada, Australia and even aboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. All this from a little 90-minute surprise hit that originally opened at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival back in 2017. Well, as Anna of Cleves sings, “Get Down!” This majestic musical, now an international phenomenon, will enchant, entertain and even educate audiences of all ages, bringing theatergoers to their feet clapping, dancing and singing along.

The slim plot, such as it is, features the six Queens of Henry VIII, who have returned from the grave as a pop-rock girl group.Tonight they’re vying for the position of lead singer of the band, based upon which of them had the worst experience as the wife of the corpulent King. They tell the audience that they will ultimately vote for their favorite. This court of Her Majesties include, in chronological order, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr. Filled with Girl Power, the Queens share the stage with their Ladies in Waiting, the company’s quartet of talented, female musicians: Sterlyn Termine, Rose Laguana, Kami Lujan and Musical Director/Keyboard player, Jane Corona.

This dynamic delight was co-written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, for which they won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Score, while Gabriella Slade won the award for her glittery, punk-rock costumes. The production also picked up several Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well. Expertly Co-directed with vision, verve and vitality by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, and brilliantly Choreographed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, the production is straight-out snappy, sassy and totally high-spirited. Also, Chicago’s own musical master, Roberta Duchak, is the show’s Music Supervisor. 

The diverse and gifted cast for this production, called the Boleyn Tour, is incredible, which is true of every company I’ve seen performing this demanding show. Opening night’s company of Queens included powerhouse Kristina Leopold as Catherine of Aragon, Henry’s first wife. This character, who’s modeled after Beyonce and Shakira, somewhat takes on the role of narrator, at least at the beginning of the musical. Following “Ex-Wives,” a buoyant opening number that introduces each character, Catherine tells her own story through a vibrant verse entitled “No Way.” Then a saucy, sensuous Anne Boleyn, played by the divine dancing diva Cassie Silva, warns everyone, “Don’t Lose Ur Head.” Ms. Silva’s character’s modeled after singer Avril Lavigne. How ironically fitting is this humorous musical number sung by a Queen who Henry had decapitated!

Then Queen Jane Seymour, who sadly died in childbirth after delivering Henry’s only male heir to the throne, charms the audience with “Heart of Stone.” She’s portrayed by Kelly Denice Taylor, a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful voice and stage presence. Her power ballad, reminiscent of Adele or Sia, poignantly relates the story of the Queen who claims she was the wife Henry loved best. Next, we’re whisked off to Germany for a high-energy, full-company Techno tune called “Haus of Holbein.” It’s a tribute to the artist who painted the famous iconic portrait of Henry VIII. Incidentally, Holbein also painted a flattering likeness of Anna of Cleves, played here by stunning Danielle Mendoza. The lovely portrait of Anna apparently motivated the King to fall in love with her, sight unseen. However, he eventually discovered that the actual lady didn’t live up to her picture and immediately divorced her. Portrayed with the flair of Nicki Minaj or Rihanna, Anna’s ode to self-indulgence, “Get Down,” truly sums up her post-Queendom life.

 Sexy, self-centered young Katherine Howard, wife number five, was brilliantly played on opening night by alternate, Taylor Sage Evans (Alize Cruz was ill). She’s simply stunning. Imagine Ariana Grande or a young Britney Spears strutting across the stage, whipping her long, blonde, pink-tipped ponytail in time to her catchy, “All You Wanna Do.” Ms. Evans belts and bops around like a pop star, showing her true colors. And then Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, takes the stage as the Queen who survived both the monarch and three other husbands. Singing in the style of Alicia Keys, dancing like a young Jennifer Lopez, lovely triple-threat Adriana Scalice brings pathos to the play with her heartfelt, “I Don’t Need Your Love.” Finally, ending with an uplifting, uptempo megamix entitled “Six,” all the Queens dazzle in a colossal  company number that’s as grand and glorious as it is gorgeous.

Another production of SIX is always a good excuse for a trip to Chicago’s exciting Loop. Featuring a sumptuous Scenic Design by Emma Bailey, creative concert Lighting Design by Tim Deiling and exquisite, jaw-dropping, polished performances by a talented onstage band and a magnificent and majestic cast, don’t miss the chance to “Get Down,” possibly for the first time or maybe even a return visit, with this regal, royal romp. You’ll absolutely Lose Ur Head over SIX!     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 5-July 14 by Broadway in Chicago at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.